I try to make most of my posts positive, but this one is negative. It's negative because it's a sad reality. Last year the Southern Baptist Convention hit a 62 year low for baptisms. This is so alarming the North American Mission Board created a pastor's task force to address the issue. You can read the Baptist Press story about it here.

The SBC is the most evangelistic convention in the world and we're declining. There are more churches, more people and more resources available than ever before, yet we're still trending backwards.

1. Churches have way too many programs. Churches (including the one I pastor) put too much money, time and people towards programs that aren't working. If lost souls aren't getting saved, baptized, and discipled through your programs/ministries - they need to be eliminated.

2. Christians aren't broken over lost people. We should weep when John 14:6 tells us our unchurched co-worker will spend an eternity in hell. Forever, no second chances. A lost person has no chance without Christ.

3. Christians are too busy. If you don't make time for discipling others and personal evangelism - it will not happen. Witnessing must intentionally become a top priority. You should be praying for the lost people you know and look to include Christ in every conversation. I know a church that cancelled their Sunday morning worship and instead knocked on every door in their community.

4. Pastors overemphasize doctrine and theology.Jesus was a story-teller who went around healing people. The crowds were attracted to His hopeful messages. The goal of evangelism is not to get everyone to believe like you, but believe in Christ. The simple message of, "Jesus Saves" is the greatest message the church has for the world. What makes it so great is its simplicity.